Natural History - Fossil Brittle Star

Knightia alta specimen on a rectangular matrix. 168 grams, 11 cm



From Wyoming (Green River Formation), USA. Acquired during 1980s. From the Pradi Collection, Boston, U.S.A.

In southwest Wyoming (and parts of Colorado and Utah) in the Green River Formation are found some of the world's most outstanding specimens of fossil fish. The Green River system was composed of three lakes: Lake Ulinta, Lake Gosiute and Fossil Lake. These Eocene lakes lay in a series of intermountain basins formed by geological events that uplifted the Rocky Mountains during the early Tertiary time. The climate was much different from the desert-like climate of this area today. Both the fauna (crocodiles, alligators, boa constrictors and some subtropical fish families) and the flora (such as large palm trees) indicate a climate much like that found along the Gulf Coast today. Large amounts of ash found in the sediments indicate that volcanoes were particularly active at this time.

Comprising three Douvilleiceras sp. specimens (sometimes known as a Goat Horn), polished to reveal rich calcites and suture patterns. 160 grams total, 42-52 mm



From the North-East Coast of Madagascar in the jungles of Mahajanga. Acquired 1950s-1960s. From an old Bristol, UK, palaeontological collection.

Comprising a large quantity of translucent crystal points. 911 grams total, 28-39 mm



From Brazil. Ex Mineral Imports, London, UK. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's).